Fear Free and Taking the Grrr
Certified Grooming
I believe that current, offical training programmes for pet groomers, such as provided by City & Guilds or iPET, offer insufficient education in animal behaviour and body language. Those that do cover this topic do not teach groomers how to apply that knowledge in the groom room, which is why dogs are continually groomed in ways that are detrimental to their emotional health. As part of my ongoing professional education, I certified as a Fear Free practitioner in January 2023, and subsequently as a Taking The Grrr Approved Groomer in April 2023, and was reaccredited in 2024. This means that I have the knowledge and skills to ensure your pets' emotional wellbeing whilst they are being groomed. If you think a fear free approach would suit your dog, please get in touch.
About Taking the Grrr
Out of Grooming Dogs
Launched and grown by Sue Williamson, Taking the Grrr is a UK-based brand whose purpose is to revolutionise the grooming sector by ensuring canine health and welfare in the groom room. Sue, who assesses the accreditation programme, holds a Salon Diploma in Dog Grooming, an ISCP Diploma in Dog Behaviour, and she is an Animal Centred Education Advanced Tutor. Her three books set the standard for low-stress grooming of puppies and adult dogs, and I recommend them to all dog owners who bring their pets to The Parlour for grooming.
About Fear Free
The Fear Free organisation is based in the US. It was founded by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, and developed by hundreds of experts in behavior, medicine, and handling.
They run courses and certification programmes to provide veterinary professionals, pet professionals, animal welfare communities, and pet owners with the knowledge and tools to look after both a pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
What does this mean for you and your dog?
In many ways, going to the groomer is similar to going to the vet: dogs and cats are usually up on a table, with sensitive body parts such as ears and feet being handled, often in a facility filled with the strange sounds and scents of other animals. As an Approved Groomer in the Taking The Grrr programme, and a certified Fear Free groomer, I know how to use techniques and processes that greatly reduce pets’ stress. These will include the use of desensitisation and counter-conditioning techniques, as well as providing your dog with choice, space and positive reinforcement during their groom, like Elly here, a rescue greyhound, who feels safer having her nails clipped on the sofa.
